Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
|
UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
Reply |
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a
fire if the staircase is impassable. We plan to stay here until age and decrepitude means we have to move, so the system needs to be usable by a wide age range. There seem to be escape ladders or rope descenders (is there anything else, apart from greasy poles?) but I can't imagine using a rope ladder when old, and a rope descender either needs a return mechanism or a descender and harness for each person. What does the team think? Has anyone here been through the same process and come up with a smart solution? |
#2
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
On Friday, 5 July 2019 09:06:48 UTC+1, wrote:
As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a fire if the staircase is impassable. Smoke alarms should get you out before that stage, but you could also consider sprinklers over the escape route. Has anyone here been through the same process and come up with a smart solution? https://www.safelincs.co.uk/external-fire-escapes/ Fixed and rigid ladders, so not dangly like rope/chain ladders. Also you step out sideways from the window rather than clambering over the sill. Owain |
#3
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
|
#4
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
wrote
As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a fire if the staircase is impassable. We plan to stay here until age and decrepitude means we have to move, so the system needs to be usable by a wide age range. There seem to be escape ladders or rope descenders (is there anything else, apart from greasy poles?) Yep, surplus ejector seats. but I can't imagine using a rope ladder when old, True. and a rope descender either needs a return mechanism or a descender and harness for each person. What does the team think? Surplus ejector seats. Has anyone here been through the same process and come up with a smart solution? Yep. My place is single story, what you lot call a bungalow, with every room except the dunnys and bathrooms with at least one patio door to the outside. |
#7
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
On 05/07/2019 10:10, wrote:
On Friday, 5 July 2019 09:06:48 UTC+1, wrote: As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a fire if the staircase is impassable. Smoke alarms should get you out before that stage, but you could also consider sprinklers over the escape route. Smoke alarms are fitted but it's not big enough to justify sprinklers. Has anyone here been through the same process and come up with a smart solution? https://www.safelincs.co.uk/external-fire-escapes/ Fixed and rigid ladders, so not dangly like rope/chain ladders. Also you step out sideways from the window rather than clambering over the sill. Thanks, I hadn't seen those and they look interesting. Owain |
#8
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
On 05/07/2019 10:15, Dave Liquorice wrote:
On Fri, 5 Jul 2019 09:06:44 +0100, wrote: As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a fire if the staircase is impassable. We plan to stay here until age and decrepitude means we have to move, so the system needs to be usable by a wide age range. Escape from 1st floor only or higher? 1st floor, but the ceilings are higher than a modern house. One assumes you have working and correctly placed smoke alarms and a telephone upstairs. How long will it take the fire and rescue service to get to you? How close are your neighbours, have you their phone numbers? I guess it would take 30+ minutes for the fire brigade to get here; no neighbours near enough to help. As you say rope (wire) ladders are awkward things even for the agile. Thinking that as a closed domestic door will keep fire at bay for quite a number of minutes and block the jam and floor gap with whatever cloth is available (wet if possible) to keep the smoke and fumes out (the real killers). Calling 999 and sitting tight maybe the better bet if they'll be with you in less than 10 minutes. No good here, the local, retained, fire and rescue pump would take about fifteen minutes to arrive, by which time the place will be "well alight". If a house catches fire outside of the town around here the chances are it'll burn down. The next nearest pumps are 1/2 to 3/4 of a hour away. If only from the first floor climb out of the window, lower yourself full stretch of your arms, give a little push away from the wall and drop. Feet to ground won't be much over 6', bend the knees roll out of the fall, should getaway with just bruises. Plan ahead have a border rather than something hard below escape windows. This has to work for family and friends, and when we're older - I don't think "dangle and drop" is an option. Call the neighbours, get them to come and "catch" you from the arms stretched position. Keep a roll of gaffer tape in your escape room to save having to stuff wet towels or what ever around the door. But be aware that it'll burn through with hot gases quicker than a wet towel... Fit a proper 30 min fire door and frame with bush and intumastic seals to your escape room. Perhaps, if I was planning to replace doors and linings (but I'm not) |
#9
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
On 05/07/2019 10:57, Robin wrote:
On 05/07/2019 09:06, wrote: As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a fire if the staircase is impassable. We plan to stay here until age and decrepitude means we have to move, so the system needs to be usable by a wide age range. There seem to be escape ladders or rope descenders (is there anything else, apart from greasy poles?) but I can't imagine using a rope ladder when old, and a rope descender either needs a return mechanism or a descender and harness for each person. What does the team think? Has anyone here been through the same process and come up with a smart solution? Is there any special reason you expect the stairs to become impassable quickly - eg are they open plan to the kitchen and living areas? No, it's a direction from SWMBO ;-) If not, FWLIW my conclusion was that if I reach the point where interlinked smoke alarms don't give me enough time to get down the stairs and out then it's time to start sleeping downstairs. |
#10
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Lonely Psychopathic Senile Ozzie Troll Alert!
On Fri, 5 Jul 2019 19:42:25 +1000, cantankerous trolling geezer Rodent
Speed, the auto-contradicting senile sociopath, blabbered, again: FLUSH senile Ozzie troll's latest troll**** -- Richard addressing Rot Speed: "**** you're thick/pathetic excuse for a troll." MID: |
#11
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
|
#12
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
On 05/07/2019 11:14, Michael Chare wrote:
On 05/07/2019 10:10, wrote: On Friday, 5 July 2019 09:06:48 UTC+1, Â* wrote: As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a fire if the staircase is impassable. Smoke alarms should get you out before that stage, but you could also consider sprinklers over the escape route. Has anyone here been through the same process and come up with a smart solution? https://www.safelincs.co.uk/external-fire-escapes/ Fixed and rigid ladders, so not dangly like rope/chain ladders. Also you step out sideways from the window rather than clambering over the sill. Owain Fire alarms to make sure you are awake. Depending on the layout, a hose pipe in the bathroom suitably attached That's an interesting idea - it would be quite easy to keep a length of flexible pipe in a cupboard. could be helpful, as could some fire resistant clothing. |
#13
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
"Mr Pounder Esquire" wrote in message ... wrote: As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a fire if the staircase is impassable. We plan to stay here until age and decrepitude means we have to move, so the system needs to be usable by a wide age range. There seem to be escape ladders or rope descenders (is there anything else, apart from greasy poles?) but I can't imagine using a rope ladder when old, and a rope descender either needs a return mechanism or a descender and harness for each person. What does the team think? Has anyone here been through the same process and come up with a smart solution? Contact your local fire and rescue and ask them to pop round and offer advice. They will do and I think it is free. hope it is not a dodgy three story conversion that they will condem ....... |
#14
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
On 05/07/2019 10:57, Robin wrote:
On 05/07/2019 09:06, wrote: As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a fire if the staircase is impassable. We plan to stay here until age and decrepitude means we have to move, so the system needs to be usable by a wide age range. There seem to be escape ladders or rope descenders (is there anything else, apart from greasy poles?) but I can't imagine using a rope ladder when old, and a rope descender either needs a return mechanism or a descender and harness for each person. What does the team think? Has anyone here been through the same process and come up with a smart solution? Is there any special reason you expect the stairs to become impassable quickly - eg are they open plan to the kitchen and living areas? If not, FWLIW my conclusion was that if I reach the point where interlinked smoke alarms don't give me enough time to get down the stairs and out then it's time to start sleeping downstairs. Agreed, IMHO good smoke detectors should give very early warning. Also, you just get up and go. No need to worry about deployment of something potentially awkward, unless you are in an ideal situation with a crash bar door straight on to a metal fire escape. |
#15
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
On 05/07/2019 09:06, wrote:
As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a fire if the staircase is impassable. We plan to stay here until age and decrepitude means we have to move, so the system needs to be usable by a wide age range. There seem to be escape ladders or rope descenders (is there anything else, apart from greasy poles?) but I can't imagine using a rope ladder when old, and a rope descender either needs a return mechanism or a descender and harness for each person. What does the team think? Has anyone here been through the same process and come up with a smart solution? AS advertised on Farcebook recently https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=228803037996600 Personally I cannot see too many problems except... The demo assumes no up-draft from a fire - nor as a result of prevailing winds hitting the building. You are parachuted through a cladding fire - I hope all components are fire proof. It may work for one individual but for many using similar at the same time? -- mailto : news {at} admac {dot} myzen {dot} co {dot} uk |
#16
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
|
#17
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
On 05/07/2019 11:58, alan_m wrote:
On 05/07/2019 09:06, wrote: As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a fire if the staircase is impassable. We plan to stay here until age and decrepitude means we have to move, so the system needs to be usable by a wide age range. There seem to be escape ladders or rope descenders (is there anything else, apart from greasy poles?) but I can't imagine using a rope ladder when old, and a rope descender either needs a return mechanism or a descender and harness for each person. What does the team think? Has anyone here been through the same process and come up with a smart solution? AS advertised on Farcebook recently https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=228803037996600 Personally I cannot see too many problems except... The demo assumes no up-draft from a fire - nor as a result of prevailing winds hitting the building. You are parachuted through a cladding fire - I hope all components are fire proof. It may work for one individual but for many using similar at the same time? Hmmm, that's almost base jumping. It might be OK from a tall building but not from the 1st floor. If I was young again then kite surfing and base jumping would be on the "must do" list - I'm not going to be young again so I'm safe saying that ;-) Here's a base jump from Angel falls, skip to the action at 50 seconds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1tBfSsbmPI |
#18
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
|
#19
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
|
#20
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
On 05/07/2019 14:09, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
wrote : Smoke alarms should get you out before that stage, but you could also consider sprinklers over the escape route. The bathroom is my planned escape route, if the stairs cannot be used. It has a large flat roof outside the window, a five foot drop, at the back of the house. But if the sink and other stuff is against the window then you need to be quite agile to get out through the window, so maybe keep a small set of kitchen steps in the bathroom. |
#21
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
On 05/07/2019 14:12, Andrew wrote:
On 05/07/2019 09:06, wrote: As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a fire if the staircase is impassable. We plan to stay here until age and decrepitude means we have to move, so the system needs to be usable by a wide age range. There seem to be escape ladders or rope descenders (is there anything else, apart from greasy poles?) but I can't imagine using a rope ladder when old, and a rope descender either needs a return mechanism or a descender and harness for each person. What does the team think? Has anyone here been through the same process and come up with a smart solution? Bungalow ?. Helter skelter? -- Truth welcomes investigation because truth knows investigation will lead to converts. It is deception that uses all the other techniques. |
#22
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
On 05/07/2019 12:26, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
was thinking very hard : As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a fire if the staircase is impassable. We plan to stay here until age and decrepitude means we have to move, so the system needs to be usable by a wide age range. There seem to be escape ladders or rope descenders (is there anything else, apart from greasy poles?) but I can't imagine using a rope ladder when old, and a rope descender either needs a return mechanism or a descender and harness for each person. A self closing fire door or doors, on bedrooms, seem the only sensible answer, combined with a linked fire alarm system. Then await the fire brigades arrival for rescue. I have double plaster boarded ceilings to ground floor, linked fire alarms and one (unused) bedroom at the rear with a fire door. It's the door at the bottom of the stairs that needs to be a fire door, and closed when you go to bed, so you have a safe exit route down to your front door. If that is not possible then the kitchen needs to be a fire compartment in its own right so it can be isolated easily. And don't forget fire and smoke hoods on downlighters else your double-layer ceilings are pointless. |
#23
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
on 05/07/2019, Andrew supposed :
But if the sink and other stuff is against the window then you need to be quite agile to get out through the window, so maybe keep a small set of kitchen steps in the bathroom. No need at the moment, I can step on the bath, then through the window. The wash basin is in front of the window though. |
#24
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
|
#25
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
wrote:
On 05/07/2019 10:10, wrote: On Friday, 5 July 2019 09:06:48 UTC+1, wrote: As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a fire if the staircase is impassable. Smoke alarms should get you out before that stage, but you could also consider sprinklers over the escape route. Smoke alarms are fitted but it's not big enough to justify sprinklers. Has anyone here been through the same process and come up with a smart solution? https://www.safelincs.co.uk/external-fire-escapes/ Fixed and rigid ladders, so not dangly like rope/chain ladders. Also you step out sideways from the window rather than clambering over the sill. Thanks, I hadn't seen those and they look interesting. Owain Any solution apart from an easy to use fire escape such as an external stairway from a very easy and quick to open window or door is likely to take longer to use rather than quick evacuation when alerted by a smoke alarm assuming you are living in a relatively normal domestic dwelling and not the sole residents of a decaying Manor House or hotel. Most people who die in domestic fires do so from the smoke rather than heat and its effects.You should be familiar with the layout of your home, practise getting from the various rooms to outside in the dark and be able to use find and use any keys that you may secure your external locks with .. The time taken to use some unusual solution like a hose kept in the bathroom by the time you have got it out of the cupboard turned on the supply would be longer than just legging it. Remember that clearer air is often available nearer the floor if things have got really bad . A sensibly placed water extinguisher if it can be grabbed while passing may help and be easier to activate than a hose providing you know how to use it ,but use it to aid your evacuation not to fight the fire . That is the job of the fire brigade who have the means to do it , of course if you are some distance from a manned station they may not be in time but the first priority is to get yourselves out, if then if you want to attempt to fight the fire then a proper powerful hose reel mounted outside would help in that ,again if you feel you have the knowledge to risk it, remember things like mixing water and electricity can cause their own dangers . Probably not worth risk you live in suburbia but possibly worth doing have if you live in a remote cottage. It is a pity that not many people get the chance to do even a basic fire fighting course, Ive done a couple aimed at marine situations where as no fire brigade is usually close at all you have to deal with it,that doesnt apply to most house fires but how to use an extinguisher and what type and when should be taught in schools as a life skill. GH |
#26
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
Dave Liquorice presented the following explanation :
Thinking that as a closed domestic door will keep fire at bay for quite a number of minutes and block the jam and floor gap with whatever cloth is available (wet if possible) to keep the smoke and fumes out (the real killers). Calling 999 and sitting tight maybe the better bet if they'll be with you in less than 10 minutes. Back in the day when I still lived with my parents, at around 13 with a latch key - I arrived home to find smoke billowing up just inside the front door. A gas pipe had developed a pin hole, leaked and something had ignited it. I was able to extinguish it by throwing water at the burning wood work and turn the gas off. As a result of that experience, I now have a couple of outside garden taps fitted, with ready connected hose pipes, one at the back, one at the side. The local village full time fire station is 1/2 mile away, so just a few minutes. |
#27
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
On Friday, 5 July 2019 14:09:53 UTC+1, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
The bathroom is my planned escape route, if the stairs cannot be used. It has a large flat roof outside the window, The kitchen roof by any chance? Will that maintain structural integrity during a fire that blocks the stairs? Owain |
#28
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
On Friday, 5 July 2019 15:22:28 UTC+1, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
Fixed and rigid ladders, so not dangly like rope/chain ladders. Also you step out sideways from the window rather than clambering over the sill. Such easy access to get out, also makes it easy for burglars to get in. They're secured by a locking pin at the top, so Mr Tealeaf would need a ladder anyway (or maybe a long pole with a hook on the end) to drop it. Should be fairly easy to put a magnet on the dropping bit to activate an alarm when the ladder is released. Owain |
#29
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
After serious thinking wrote :
No, it's a direction from SWMBO ;-) Then well done her. |
#30
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
|
#31
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
In article , Marland
wrote: wrote: On 05/07/2019 10:10, wrote: On Friday, 5 July 2019 09:06:48 UTC+1, wrote: As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a fire if the staircase is impassable. Smoke alarms should get you out before that stage, but you could also consider sprinklers over the escape route. Smoke alarms are fitted but it's not big enough to justify sprinklers. Has anyone here been through the same process and come up with a smart solution? https://www.safelincs.co.uk/external-fire-escapes/ Fixed and rigid ladders, so not dangly like rope/chain ladders. Also you step out sideways from the window rather than clambering over the sill. Thanks, I hadn't seen those and they look interesting. Owain Any solution apart from an easy to use fire escape such as an external stairway from a very easy and quick to open window or door is likely to take longer to use rather than quick evacuation when alerted by a smoke alarm assuming you are living in a relatively normal domestic dwelling and not the sole residents of a decaying Manor House or hotel. Most people who die in domestic fires do so from the smoke rather than heat and its effects.You should be familiar with the layout of your home, practise getting from the various rooms to outside in the dark and be able to use find and use any keys that you may secure your external locks with . The time taken to use some unusual solution like a hose kept in the bathroom by the time you have got it out of the cupboard turned on the supply would be longer than just legging it. Remember that clearer air is often available nearer the floor if things have got really bad . A sensibly placed water extinguisher if it can be grabbed while passing may help and be easier to activate than a hose providing you know how to use it ,but use it to aid your evacuation not to fight the fire . That is the job of the fire brigade who have the means to do it , of course if you are some distance from a manned station they may not be in time but the first priority is to get yourselves out, if then if you want to attempt to fight the fire then a proper powerful hose reel mounted outside would help in that ,again if you feel you have the knowledge to risk it, remember things like mixing water and electricity can cause their own dangers . Probably not worth risk you live in suburbia but possibly worth doing have if you live in a remote cottage. It is a pity that not many people get the chance to do even a basic fire fighting course, I‘ve done a couple aimed at marine situations where as no fire brigade is usually close at all you have to deal with it,that doesn‘t apply to most house fires but how to use an extinguisher and what type and when should be taught in schools as a life skill. I went on a couple of courses at work and once had the 'great fun' of setting off an extinguisher (CO2) in anger. But, the basic safety advice is "Get out" and leave it to the professionals to deal with. -- from KT24 in Surrey, England "I'd rather die of exhaustion than die of boredom" Thomas Carlyle |
#32
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
|
#33
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
Andrew formulated the question :
It's the door at the bottom of the stairs that needs to be a fire door, and closed when you go to bed, so you have a safe exit route down to your front door. I don't have a door at the bottom, the hall/ stair is open, connecting living room and kitchens with their own doors. |
#34
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
On 05/07/2019 16:40, charles wrote:
In article , Marland wrote: wrote: On 05/07/2019 10:10, wrote: On Friday, 5 July 2019 09:06:48 UTC+1, wrote: As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a fire if the staircase is impassable. Smoke alarms should get you out before that stage, but you could also consider sprinklers over the escape route. Smoke alarms are fitted but it's not big enough to justify sprinklers. Has anyone here been through the same process and come up with a smart solution? https://www.safelincs.co.uk/external-fire-escapes/ Fixed and rigid ladders, so not dangly like rope/chain ladders. Also you step out sideways from the window rather than clambering over the sill. Thanks, I hadn't seen those and they look interesting. Owain Any solution apart from an easy to use fire escape such as an external stairway from a very easy and quick to open window or door is likely to take longer to use rather than quick evacuation when alerted by a smoke alarm assuming you are living in a relatively normal domestic dwelling and not the sole residents of a decaying Manor House or hotel. Most people who die in domestic fires do so from the smoke rather than heat and its effects.You should be familiar with the layout of your home, practise getting from the various rooms to outside in the dark and be able to use find and use any keys that you may secure your external locks with . The time taken to use some unusual solution like a hose kept in the bathroom by the time you have got it out of the cupboard turned on the supply would be longer than just legging it. Remember that clearer air is often available nearer the floor if things have got really bad . A sensibly placed water extinguisher if it can be grabbed while passing may help and be easier to activate than a hose providing you know how to use it ,but use it to aid your evacuation not to fight the fire . That is the job of the fire brigade who have the means to do it , of course if you are some distance from a manned station they may not be in time but the first priority is to get yourselves out, if then if you want to attempt to fight the fire then a proper powerful hose reel mounted outside would help in that ,again if you feel you have the knowledge to risk it, remember things like mixing water and electricity can cause their own dangers . Probably not worth risk you live in suburbia but possibly worth doing have if you live in a remote cottage. It is a pity that not many people get the chance to do even a basic fire fighting course, I€˜ve done a couple aimed at marine situations where as no fire brigade is usually close at all you have to deal with it,that doesn€˜t apply to most house fires but how to use an extinguisher and what type and when should be taught in schools as a life skill. I went on a couple of courses at work and once had the 'great fun' of setting off an extinguisher (CO2) in anger. But, the basic safety advice is "Get out" and leave it to the professionals to deal with. I've been on company fire training courses. Interestingly they were suspended for a while when one of my colleagues set off a CO2 extinguisher that turned out to have a leak from the pipe that joined the horn and he suffered a cold-burn. SteveW |
#35
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
|
#36
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
"Steve Walker" wrote in message
... I've been on company fire training courses. Interestingly they were suspended for a while when one of my colleagues set off a CO2 extinguisher that turned out to have a leak from the pipe that joined the horn and he suffered a cold-burn. I remember being told that we mustn't touch the horn itself, only the handle that's attached to it, because of the risk of cold burns. The most memorable thing I remember was the demonstration of why you shouldn't pour water on a burning-liquid (petrol or chip pan) fire. The demonstrator set up two wide, shallow trays. One was filled with petrol, the other with diesel. The petrol ignited as soon as a flame (on a long pole!) was brought near the vapour. The diesel could not be ignited, and put out the flame if it was touched onto the surface. When the petrol fire was burning away nicely, the demonstrator poured a few millilitres of water (again, on a long pole) onto the fire and the whole thing exploded and shot burning petrol over a wide area. He then tried with a CO2 extinguisher - that blew the petrol out of the tray onto the grass, but the tray remained alight because the hot combustion gases heated the CO2 so it didn't lay as a blanket over the fuel. Foam or dry powder for liquid fuel fires, IIRC. I've never had to use the approved method of holding a fire blanket, but I can still remember it: hold the blanket so the top edge faces towards you, curled round so it's covering your fists which are facing palm towards you, and lay the blanket gently *from front to back* (never the other way round) over the chip pan until it covers the pan, when the flames will very quickly go out because the fire is starved of oxygen. Leave the pan where it is until the fire brigade arrive: don't move it *even after the flames have gone out*. Obviously don't try to move it while it's on fire. |
#37
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
On 05/07/2019 16:43, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
Andrew formulated the question : It's the door at the bottom of the stairs that needs to be a fire door, and closed when you go to bed, so you have a safe exit route down to your front door. I don't have a door at the bottom, the hall/ stair is open, connecting living room and kitchens with their own doors. That would worry me. Can you still completely shut off the kitchen from the rest of the house ?. If so I would make an effort to keep that door shut at night. A smoke detector at the bottom of the stairs (plus elsewhere) will warn you the moment any smoke starts to come up the stairs, but tbh, the best escape route is down an enclosed staircase and straight out of the front door, especially when you are no longer 'agile'. Commercial and other public buildings sometimes have fire curtains, like non-flammable roller blinds that drop down to stop smoke and hot gases from travelling up stairwells and the like, where physical fire doors are not possible. |
#38
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
After serious thinking Andrew wrote :
That would worry me. Can you still completely shut off the kitchen from the rest of the house ?. If so I would make an effort to keep that door shut at night. I could close the kitchen door, but I don't because I have two dogs who may need access to their water in the kitchen. I have smoke detectors in the hall, landing and the enclosed loft - all linked, so if one is triggered, they all sound. A smoke detector at the bottom of the stairs (plus elsewhere) will warn you the moment any smoke starts to come up the stairs, but tbh, the best escape route is down an enclosed staircase and straight out of the front door, especially when you are no longer 'agile'. I am still pretty agile. |
#39
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
On Friday, 5 July 2019 09:06:48 UTC+1, wrote:
As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a fire if the staircase is impassable. We plan to stay here until age and decrepitude means we have to move, so the system needs to be usable by a wide age range. There seem to be escape ladders or rope descenders (is there anything else, apart from greasy poles?) but I can't imagine using a rope ladder when old, and a rope descender either needs a return mechanism or a descender and harness for each person. What does the team think? Has anyone here been through the same process and come up with a smart solution? Think about smoke hoods. https://firemask.co.uk/shop/?gclid=C...hoCnRcQAvD_BwE |
#40
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Fire escape ladders/ropes/descenders/ ...
On Friday, 5 July 2019 09:06:48 UTC+1, wrote:
As part of the re-furb we're starting to think about how to escape a fire if the staircase is impassable. We plan to stay here until age and decrepitude means we have to move, so the system needs to be usable by a wide age range. There seem to be escape ladders or rope descenders (is there anything else, apart from greasy poles?) but I can't imagine using a rope ladder when old, and a rope descender either needs a return mechanism or a descender and harness for each person. What does the team think? Has anyone here been through the same process and come up with a smart solution? Battery operated automatic emergency lights in case of power failure leaving you in the dark |
Reply |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Fire escape questions | UK diy | |||
Fire Escape Route | UK diy | |||
Fire Escape Rusting | UK diy | |||
For info - building regs on loo/kitchen/fire escape routes | UK diy | |||
Steel Staircase / Fire Escape | UK diy |